Abigail Foster fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry to improve her charms and the one man she thought might marry her--a longtime friend--has fallen for her younger, prettier sister.

When financial problems force her family to sell their London home, a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll's house left mid-play . . .

The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem to know something about the manor's past, the only information they offer Abigail is a warning: Beware trespassers who may be drawn by rumors that Pembrooke contains a secret room filled with treasure. 

Hoping to improve her family's financial situation, Abigail surreptitiously searches for the hidden room, but the arrival of anonymous letters addressed to her, with clues about the room and the past, bring discoveries even more startling. As secrets come to light, will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger?

I very much enjoyed reading this historical fiction story. Because of a financial loss, Abigail finds herself living at Pembrooke Park with her father in order to prepare for the arrival of her mother and sister. Abigail is intrigued by stories of a secret room and long sought after treasure. Mysterious letters arrive, hinting at past events and clues about the secret room. Abigail searches for the room and the elusive treasure.

The curate and his family become friends although one family member is not as welcoming. They seem to know secrets of family history but are unwilling or unable to share.

Some people are not who they seem to be but will the truth be discovered in time? If you enjoy historical fiction, you will surely find this book a satisfying read. I have avoided historical fiction for a few years, but I am so glad I picked this one out!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.